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The War Memorial Dedication Service took place on Sunday 24th April 1921.

When Hungerford selected a site for its memorial to the 76 men who died in the First World War, it chose well. It was built on the island in Bridge Street which had historically been the site of the old Priory of St John.

The previously narrow and congested entrance to the town along Bridge Street, with the International Stores on its east side, was greatly improved by the demolition of the derelict shop and the widening of the road.

The lease of that site had originally been held since 1678 on a 2000 year peppercorn rent, and it had been purchased in May 1899 by International.

In May 1920 a group of Trustees, including Beard, Alexander, Barker, Wooldridge, Adnams, Platt, Alexander, Gray, Allright, Newhook, Killick and Richens, purchased the land on the east of the narrow Bridge Street from the International Tea Company for £500.

The deeds mention the dwellinghouse and shop, cottage, outbuildings, yard, "Little Chappell Barn" and the land on which "Great Chappell Barn" had earlier stood.

The purpose of buying the land was to widen Bridge Street, and to erect "an Obelisk ... to perpetuate the memory of the men of Hungerford who gave up their lives for King and Country in the Great War, and to inspire patriotism in the present and future generations."

See also: Hungerford War Memorial Charity for the full text, or follow this link to see the photocopy of the Hungerford War Memorial Charity indenture.

The triangular strip of land between the two branches of the River Dun was landscaped, and a monument of Doulting limestone (from Somerset), with a height of nearly seven metres, was erected. This had been designed by Caleb Camburn.

A Service of Dedication was held on 24th April 1921, led by Rev Tom Gray and attended by the Lord Lietenant and a very large crowd. It seems that the entire population of the town must have attended.

Few of those attending could possibly have heard the words spoken by the Rev. Tom Gray and the dignitaries taking the service. Many of those standing in Bridge Street, some of whom had brought their bicycles, would just have had to watch in silence.

Photo Gallery:

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1st World War 78

War Memorial Dedication, 24 Apr 1921. The large crowd assembling outside the Town Hall.

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War Memorial gardens, c1921 (A Parsons) (Newton collection Nov 2018)

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International Stores after closing 1920(A Parsons) (Newton collection Nov 2018)

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War Memorial Dedication Service, 24 Apr 1921 (A Parsons) (Newton collection Nov 2018)

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War Memorial, Apr 1921 (A Parsons) (Newton collection Nov 2018)

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War Memorial Dedication Service, 24 Apr 1921 (A Parsons) (Newton collection Nov 2018)

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War Memorial Dedication Service, 24 Apr 1921 (A Parsons) (Newton collection Nov 2018)

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1st World War 67

War Memorial Dedication Service, 24 Apr 1921 [A Parsons].

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1st world war 31

Crowds assemble outside the Town Hall.

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1st world war 32

Walking down to Bridge Street.

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1st world war 33

Huge crowds in Bridge Street.

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1st world war 34

Huge crowds in Bridge Street.

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1st world war 35

Service led by Rev. Tom Gray.

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1st world war 36

This view shows clearly the island in Bridge Street on which the old Priory of St. John stood in medieval times.

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1st world war 37

The War Memorial, c1925 [Albert Parsons].

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1st world war 38
1st world war 76 war memorial jane malham
1st world war 76 war memorial jane malham

The War Memorial [Albert Parsons] (kindly sent by Jane Malham).

- War Memorial Dedication, 24th April 1921. The large crowd assembling outside the Town Hall.

- War Memorial gardens, c.1921 (A Parsons) (Newton collection Nov 2018).

- International Stores after closing 1920 (A Parsons) (Newton collection Nov 2018).

- War Memorial Dedication Service, 24th April 1921 (A Parsons) (Newton collection Nov 2018).

- War Memorial, April 1921 (A Parsons) (Newton collection Nov 2018).

- War Memorial Dedication Service, 24th April 1921 (A Parsons) (Newton collection Nov 2018).

- War Memorial Dedication Service, 24th April 1921 (A Parsons) (Newton collection Nov 2018).

- War Memorial Dedication Service, 24th April 1921 (A Parsons) (Moya Dixon).

See also:

- The stories of the men commemorated on the War Memorials.

- Hungerford War Memorial Charity indenture.

- Bridge Street properties.

- Bridge Street Photo Gallery.

- Priory of St John the Baptist.